Kanlaon volcano emits ash, signals growing unrest

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — After a prolonged period of relative calm, Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island showed signs of increased activity with two ash emissions early Wednesday morning.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the first ash emission began at 6:18 a.m. and lasted until 7:27 a.m., producing a low-level plume that drifted north-northeast.

A second, shorter two-minute emission followed shortly after.

Ptolemy Mañego, science research assistant at the PHIVOLCS Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in La Carlota City, described the emissions as “mild” but noted an increase in seismic activity in recent days.

“These developments indicate that our volcano is becoming more active,” he said.

As of press time, no ashfall had been reported in nearby communities.

PHIVOLCS has kept Kanlaon under Alert Level 2, which denotes “increasing unrest,” and has reiterated the prohibition of entry into the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

Aircraft are also advised to avoid flying near the summit due to possible ash and volcanic debris.

Earlier this week, clusters of volcanic earthquakes were detected across various sectors of the volcano, raising concerns of a possible eruption, though authorities have not recommended evacuation.

Ma. Antonia V. Bornas, chief science research specialist of the PHIVOLCS Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, said the tremors—classified as volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes—are caused by rock fracturing as magma forces its way toward the surface.

“The intrusion comes from as deep as 15 kilometers, with magma pushing its way toward the surface,” she said.

Bornas added that similar activity was recorded in September 2024.

She noted that Kanlaon also registered elevated sulfur dioxide emissions exceeding 11,500 tons per day during that period.

While that unrest phase did not immediately lead to an eruption, it was followed by ash emissions in October and a full eruption on Dec. 9, 2024.

“This is why it is difficult to say if there will be a major eruption soon,” Bornas said.

She explained that periods of volcanic unrest can last for months or even years.

“There is always a threat of moderate eruption, but it does not necessarily happen immediately,” she added.

Bornas stressed that while the current threat level remains, evacuation is not yet recommended.

“We only advise clearing the Permanent Danger Zone if there is sustained activity,” she said.

“For now, there is no call for evacuation,” she said.